We've Turned The Corner

Although setbacks to Mikel and Jags was bad news, Baz thinks Everton have turned the corner with some of the other injured players and they could be back playing soon.

Baz says: "The good news though is I do feel we have turned a corner in the last few days regarding injuries! Phil Neville, Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar are all making rapid progress." (10/11/09)

Its Getting Better, Honest

He does not moan, he does not complain, he just gets on with it, but even Bail Rathbone's patience must have been pushed to the limit of late. With upwards of eleven players on his treatment table at the minute, Basil still has time to assess his lads fitness, and his overall conclusion is that its getting better. He hopes there will be one or two bodies available for this weekends clash with Villa at Goodison, and if the Blues ever needed a win to lift the spirits, it is this weekend. COYB FTRS

Basil says: "Although we have lots of injuries at the moment all those players who are out are making good progress. I expect the vast majority of the injured lads to be back in the next few weeks. We are hoping to have one or two available for this weekend's match with Aston Villa at Goodison and we then hope to have some more fit for next weekend's trip to West Ham." (29/10/09)

Never Known Anything Like It

In his fourteen years as a Physio, Basil Rathbone has never seen anything like it regarding the severe injury list that the Blues currently have. With injuries to The Jag, Mikky, The Yak, Captain Phil and Big Vic, Basil refutes any suggestions it is down to the way things are done at Goodison. His magic hands though are working a treat as we already have The Yak back and scoring and the rest will no doubt follow.

Basil says: "I have been a physio for 14 years and I have never known anything like this with so many serious injuries in one go. Injuries are part of the game but to be hit with so many long term problems has been tough. If you are having these injuries year-in year-out you would have to look at yourselves and ask what are we doing wrong - but this is just a one off.

You have to also take into account that the game is getting much faster. The players are getting stronger and therefore more powerful. The pitches now are also very firm which is starting to take its toll. So it's not just bad luck, there are other factors behind it". (13/10/09)